Top San Ignacio Pack Animal Tours

Journey to the ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich atop a trusty steed on a half-day horseback riding adventure from San Ignacio. Ride along the Mopan River and through a private organic farm for a unique way to reach the fascinating archaeological site, where you can explore the remains of royal palaces and one of Belize’s largest ceremonial temples with a guide.

Feel like a jungle explorer as you cruise through the wild forests of Belize’s Cayo district on a private pontoon boat. Float down a river that winds through the mystical Maya Mountains, stopping to swim and cliff jump at three different tropical waterfalls buried deep in the rainforest. A fresh Belizean lunch cooked right on board the pontoon completes this fantastic full-day adventure.

Go where cars can't and explore the heart of the jungle on a full-day tubing and caving trip from San Ignacio. Ideal for adventurers, this experience sees you hike into a cave entrance surrounded by lush foliage. Follow a gentle stream through a series of cavern passages, learn about the area’s Maya history, then enjoy a swim in the clear water.

Visit the incredible ancient city of Tikal without having to rent a car on this day trip from San Ignacio. Once a powerful city center during the Mayan period, today Tikal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that draws scores of visitors each year. Your professional guide takes you across the border into Tikal National Park in Guatemala and leads you on a fascinating tour of the archaeological complex.

Get an intimate glimpse into the coves and crevices of Belize’s intricate cave network during a private canoeing tour of Barton Creek Cave. Opting for a private canoe tour allows you to set the pace of your paddling as you listen to tales of Mayan history and culture from your guide. Plus, hotel pickup and drop-off allow you to skip the hassle of hiring a car and finding a meeting point.

Ride a horse to the Maya ceremonial center of Xunantunich on this small-group tour from a riding stable in San Ignacio. Follow your guide along the gentle Mopan River, and watch for tropical birds and howler monkeys among the trees. Enjoy a sweeping view of the Xunantunich complex, then spend an hour at the fascinating site; take in the towering El Castillo pyramid and enjoy the serenity of the rural spot as you ride through the partially excavated ruins before returning to San Ignacio.

Ride a horse deep into the countryside on a 2-hour private riding tour from San Ignacio along the Kiskadee Trail, and explore open pasture, jungle trails and the scenic Mopan River. Watch for parrots, herons and kiskadees as you follow your guide along a gentle path that’s appropriate for all skill levels, then pause to visit an ancient Maya site. Take in the tropical sounds of bird song and monkey calls, and enjoy the serenity of this rural valley before finishing your tour with return transfer to San Ignacio.

Explore the ancient Maya city of Caracol with a full-day tour from San Ignacio that includes the Río On pools and the Río Frio caves. Follow your guide through the vast archaeological site, stand in the field of the ball court, and take in sweeping views of the jungle from the peak of the sky temple pyramid. Follow the history of Caracol in the glyphs, stelae, and carvings throughout the site, and then finish your day swimming in natural pools and visiting a vast limestone cave system in Pine Ridge.

Combine two fun activities into one full-day tour—a hassle-free alternative to managing multiple reservations—on this action-packed adventure from San Ignacio. Float through the largest cave system in Central America during a tubing session, and spot glittering crystals and stalactites inside a series of spacious caverns. Then, strap in for an exciting zipline journey from tree to tree with a bird’s-eye view of the forest floor.

Delve into the Mayan underworld on a tour of Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave, a natural attraction that's challenging to reach on your own. This full-day tour from San Ignacio includes a scenic hike through Tapir Nature Reserve, followed by swimming, climbing, and exploring the cave’s chambers filled with ancient Mayan artifacts and human sacrifices. With round-trip transportation, a guide, and a local lunch included, this tour offers a seamless way to experience Belize’s rich history and natural beauty.

A must-visit, even when on the shortest stays in our beautiful country. Xunantunich is a national treasure that fills its visitors with a sense of time travel. If that isn’t appealing enough, how about saddling up a horse and riding into the shadow of this Mayan temple. You're hit with how green and lush everything is. Some visitors might get to see a group of women doing laundry in the river while their children swim nearby, this is where you will board the hand-cranked ferry that has carried many thousands to and from the calm beauty of this Maya Temple. Here, you’ll dismount your horse and the journey to Xunantunich begins on the other bank of the river.. The temples are nestled in between lush rainforest whose trees may bloom vibrant red, yellow, orange, or pink in season. Bring along a hat, sunscreen, insect repellent, along with an open heart to experience simplicity and visiting another world for a few hours.

Ride a horse through the Belizean countryside on this small-group, 1.5-hour riding tour from San Ignacio. Spot birds and wildlife as you follow your guide along a gentle trail, and pass tropical fruit trees and lush vegetation. Enjoy your time away from the crowds and just admire the beautiful trail ride: open savannah, jungle & river trails.